The name MacClimen is from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of the Britain and comes from the given name Clement which means the son of Clement. The name is from Latin origin and applies to a mild or merciful individual. It gained popularity in Medieval Europe when it was borne by an early saint who was a disciple of St. Paul, and later when the name was used by several early popes.

Early Origins of the MacClimen family

The surname MacClimen was first found in Brecknock, in the Welsh princedom of Powys, located in the border country between Wales and England. A bearer of Clement is said to have arrived in the Norman Conquest of England with Bernard Newmarche. Together they later fought in Brecon where they conquered the Lordship of Caron; after this battle Clement was given land at Llangorse Lake and at Cathedine.

There is a record of a grant of these lands to Geoffrey Clement made at Westminster by Edward 1 on the 10th February 1290. There has also long been a family of this name in Oxfordshire, where record of the Templars show William and Richard Clement in 1153, and Robertus Clemens in 1155.

Early History of the MacClimen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacClimen research.Another 282 words (20 lines of text) covering the years 1162, 1210, 1233, 1273, 1379, 1489, 1685, 1742, 1258, 1594, 1660, 1660, 1797 and are included under the topic Early MacClimen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacClimen Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. MacClimen has been spelled many different ways, including Clements, Clement, Clemens, Climer and others.

Early Notables of the MacClimen family (pre 1700)

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Clement of Dunblane (d. 1258), a Dominican friar, and close associate of King Alexander II of Scotland, who was made Bishop of Dunblane; and... Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacClimen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacClimen family to Ireland

Some of the MacClimen family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 174 words (12 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacClimen family to the New World and Oceana

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first MacClimens to arrive in North America: Elizabeth Clements, who came to Jamestown, Virginia in 1611; August Clement, who immigrated to Massachusetts in 1635; Edey Clement, who settled in Virginia in 1635.